Event Details

PHO Microbiology Rounds: National Surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae AMR in Canada

Gonorrhea is the second most reported sexually transmitted infection in Canada, with 92.3 cases/100,000 population in 2022. This Public Health Ontario (PHO) Rounds will present on the Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (GASP-Canada) surveillance system which accepts N. gonorrhoeae isolates, clinical specimens, and data from the various provincial and territorial public health laboratories. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and molecular type of each isolate were determined, and molecular AMR testing was performed for clinical specimens. In 2022, 0.3% of isolates showed decreased susceptibility to cefixime and/or ceftriaxone, while 8.1% showed azithromycin resistance. The most prevalent sequence type was NG-MAST-17972. Antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae remains an important public health concern and continued surveillance is imperative to monitor trends to ensure the recommended therapies will be the most effective. Monitoring molecular types helps us understand which strains are circulating in the various regions of Canada, supports outbreak and treatment failure investigations.

Intended audience: Microbiologists, Laboratory Scientists, Infectious Disease Physicians, Researchers, public health unit (PHU) staff working in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), Community Health Workers, Epidemiologists

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Summarize recent epidemiological trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae activity in Ontario and Canada
• Describe the current approach to Neisseria gonorrhoeae whole genome sequencing and reporting at the National Microbiology Laboratory
• Recognize the threat of the global spread of XDR Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains and the potential impact of increased ceftriaxone resistance on the efficacy of current recommended therapies
• Understand the value of NAAT testing for expanding the breadth of surveillance data where cultures are unavailable, particularly in northern, remote and isolated regions of Canada

Presenter(s): Robyn Thorington and Shelley Peterson

Robyn Thorington,M.Sc, is a Biologist in the Streptococcus and sexually transmitted infection (STI) section at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. Her work centers on monitoring antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea through the Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (GASP-Canada), a passive surveillance system. Robyn investigates trends and outbreaks in gonorrhea antimicrobial resistance using phylogenetic analysis and ensures the section's compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards.

Shelley Peterson, M.Sc, is a Biologist in the Streptococcus and STI section at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg. She has led numerous STI research projects, including the development and evaluation of molecular tests to detect mutations associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Shelley also conducts whole genome sequence analyses for N. gonorrhoeae, contributing to a better understanding of resistance mechanisms and strain characterization.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.